Crafty Cat: Summer Snack Attack

Kick back in the shade with some homemade macaroons and bubble tea

By Cat Morley
Published: June 26th, 2009 | 4:45pm

Summer's here, the sunshine is out, and what better way to cool down than with homemade bubble tea and decadent homemade macaroons.

Macaroons
Makes a small batch of around 10 macaroons, multiply the recipe to make multiple colors and flavors.

You will need:
25g Egg White
60g Caster Sugar
50g Almond Meal
50g Icing Sugar
1tsp Food Coloring
1tsp Food Flavoring (to match your filling)
1tbsp filling - jam, lemon curd etc.
Baking Tray
Baking Paper

Step 1: Mix together the egg white, food coloring, and flavoring in a heat-safe mixing bowl. Add the caster sugar and beat together with a fork. Place the mixing bowl in a bowl of warm / hot water and continue to stir for 5 minutes; this helps the sugar to melt, giving the mixture a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Mix together the almond meal and the icing sugar. Add this to the egg mixture and mix well. The consistency should be thick but still runny.

Step 3: Cover your baking tray with baking paper and use an icing bag to make small dots with the batter on the baking tray (remember to make an even number). Bake the macaroons in an oven set at 140º celcius for 15 - 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them because they will burn quickly if you leave them in for too long.

Step 4: When the macaroons have cooled, take one half and spread it with your filling. I used strawberry jam for pink ones and lemon curd for yellow. Place another macaroon half on top. Serve with a delicious cup of tea or coffee.

Green Apple Bubble Tea

You will need:
Tea Bag 1/2 cup
Apple Juice 1
cup Boiling Water
4tbsp Sago Balls (you can find these in Chinese supermarkets)

Step 1: Make a cup of tea, as you would normally, and leave to cool in the fridge.

Step 2: Place the sago balls in a glass and pour in the cooled tea. Top up with apple juice and enjoy.